Growing up with art in his blood, Yilin learned painting from his father, a dedicated but struggling artist. This early exposure to both the beauty and challenges of an artistic career would shape his future path in unexpected ways.
Driven by his father's experience as a "starving artist," young Yilin wrestled with a fundamental question: "How can an artist make a living through art?" This quest led him to explore numerous creative fields, including:
Yilin pursued architecture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, combining his artistic talents with practical skills. However, even after graduating, his true passion remained in drawing and crafting. His friends repeatedly suggested he consider becoming a tattoo artist, a suggestion that would eventually change his life.
In 2013, Yilin took his first step into the world of tattooing. His pivotal moment came in 2014 when he began apprenticing at the renowned Lucky Cat Tattoo Studio in Chicago. Unlike typical apprentices who dedicate themselves full-time, Yilin took an unconventional path:
After three years of dedication, Yilin graduated from his apprenticeship in 2017 and joined Lucky Cat as a full-time artist. His timing proved fortuitous as he became the first artist at Lucky Cat's new Chicago location during the 2017 Christmas season, working alongside the owner to establish the shop's presence.
The COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 forced a dramatic change in Yilin's career. After making his final tattoo at Lucky Cat, he faced an uncertain future until a contact offered him a separate house space for $900 a month. While this temporary solution allowed him to continue working, Yilin's commitment to professionalism drove him to seek something more permanent. By December 2020, he made the bold decision to rent a private office space, believing that a more professional environment would better serve his clients and reflect his dedication to the craft.
It was during this period of independence that Art Spirit Tattoo Studio was born. Yilin didn't just survive the pandemic – he used it as an opportunity to build something new. He developed his business infrastructure, created his brand, and established the foundation for what would become his permanent studio.
By November 2021, Yilin was ready for his next big move. He relocated Art Spirit Tattoo Studio to its current location in Oak Park, a charming area adjacent to Chicago. This location would become more than just a tattoo studio – it would evolve into a space where he could nurture new talent and continue growing his artistic vision.
When Lucky Cat reopened after the initial pandemic restrictions lifted, they invited Yilin to return. However, he had discovered a new path during the challenging times: "I kind of enjoy what it is now, and I never think about leaving Lucky Cat, but the pandemic hits, everything out of the blue." This unexpected turn of events led him to establish his own studio, where he continues to create art and mentor new artists.
Yilin's journey from an architect to a tattoo artist reflects his father's artistic influence while fulfilling his childhood quest to make a living through art. His story demonstrates how unexpected circumstances and persistent dedication can lead to finding one's true calling
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